Today we’d like to introduce you to Markia McMillian
Markia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My photography journey began with a search of what I was truly passionate about. I was at a point where I had no clue of what I wanted to do in life or what career field I wanted to pursue. And I prayed, and I asked God to reveal and show me what my passion was because I had so many things that I was good at doing but I wanted to find something that would be fulfilling for my heart. So after I prayed, my sister ended up buying a camera for her hair business to do marketing and things like that. But she stopped using the camera after having it about 3 months and I started just playing around with it to see how it worked and I was very intrigued. Keep in mind, that ive always been the type of person to stop and take pictures of sunsets, flowers, clouds, trees, ect. I’ve always loved to capture the beauty in the little things that we might look over from day to day. So one day, one of my friends randomly asked me to take them a graduation photoshoot with my sister’s camera and I was a little skeptical at first but I said yes. This was my first push into photography. Doing the graduation photoshoot and going through the editing process was the most satisfying and beautiful feeling that I had experienced. It was as if my heart was on an overjoyed high and smiling from ear to ear. After that, I did more research on photography and how to properly edit and my sister eventually gave her camera to me. So with the encouragement of my friends/family, and with confirmation from God, I then launched Kia J. Photography in May of 2023.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since starting this journey in photography it has not been easy at all. One of the biggest challenges that I’ve overcame would be the lack of confidence in myself and in the work that I do. I’ve never owned a business, let alone had the desire to. So once I did release Kia J Photography to the world I became very critical of myself and my work. I wanted everything to be perfect. Fear (of what people would think/say), Doubt (that God actually wanted me to start this business), and Worry (that I would fail) all began to overwhelm me and cause me to place too much pressure on myself which then led me to take a step back to breathe. But what I thought was a set back was really a set up ! It was a set up for everything to work for my good. (Romans 8:28) I didn’t understand that this break was actually necessary. Because It was in those moments where God revealed that this isn’t an ordinary thing.That I don’t just take pictures, but I do photography with a purpose. And after I relaunched my business I began to see mind blowing transformations happening after each photo session. I began to see clients leave renewed, empowered, less insecure, joyful, and confident not just in physical appearance but in their identity and who they were created to be. So I thank Jesus for the “working” so that I can see the “good”. Now I know that He is guiding my every move and with Him I can’t fail.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer with experience in different areas, but portrait photography is my true passion. What makes me different is that I don’t do this just for money—it’s about the experience. Photography isn’t just a job for me; it’s a purpose and a gift from God.
Every client is special to me, and I strive to make each session more than just taking pictures but a transformative experience. I want people to see themselves the way God sees them—to recognize the beauty in His creation. Sometimes, we don’t realize what God has placed inside of us, but through my lens, I hope to reveal it. My work is 100% spirit-led, and that’s what truly sets me apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kiajphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BLf2dUqi6/
